A shisha bottle is disinfected in a specially designed unit at Mezza House restaurant, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
A shisha bottle is disinfected in a specially designed unit at Mezza House restaurant, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
A visitor to Mezza House restaurant has his temperature taken, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
A visitor to Mezza House restaurant has his temperature taken, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Shisha is prepared for a guest at Mezza House restaurant, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Shisha is prepared for a guest at Mezza House restaurant, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Men wearing protective face masks play pool at a near empty pool house in Najaf, Iraq. On September 4, Iraq recorded 5,036 coronavirus cases, its biggest daily increase since the start of the outbreak. The surge has prompted warnings from Iraq's health minister and WHO that the country could be on the verge of a health crisis as pressure mounts on the already strained healthcare system. Since the first case was recorded in February, Iraq has recorded 252,075 total cases and 7,359 deaths. Getty Images
Men wearing protective face masks play pool at a near empty pool house in Najaf, Iraq. On September 4, Iraq recorded 5,036 coronavirus cases, its biggest daily increase since the start of the outbreak. The surge has prompted warnings from Iraq's health minister and WHO that the country could be on the verge of a health crisis as pressure mounts on the already strained healthcare system. Since the first case was recorded in February, Iraq has recorded 252,075 total cases and 7,359 deaths. Getty Images
A man walks through the empty gold market during the coronavirus pandemic in Kirkuk, Iraq. On September 4, Iraq recorded 5,036 coronavirus cases, its biggest daily increase since the start of the outbreak. The surge has prompted warnings from Iraq's health minister and WHO that the country could be on the verge of a health crisis as pressure mounts on the already strained healthcare system. Since the first case was recorded in February, Iraq has recorded 252,075 total cases and 7,359 deaths. Getty Images
A man walks through the empty gold market during the coronavirus pandemic in Kirkuk, Iraq. On September 4, Iraq recorded 5,036 coronavirus cases, its biggest daily increase since the start of the outbreak. The surge has prompted warnings from Iraq's health minister and WHO that the country could be on the verge of a health crisis as pressure mounts on the already strained healthcare system. Since the first case was recorded in February, Iraq has recorded 252,075 total cases and 7,359 deaths. Getty Images
Khalaf Sabir waits for customers at his second hand shoe store in a market in Kirkuk, Iraq. On September 4, Iraq recorded 5,036 coronavirus cases, its biggest daily increase since the start of the outbreak. The surge has prompted warnings from Iraq's health minister and WHO that the country could be on the verge of a health crisis as pressure mounts on the already strained healthcare system. Since the first case was recorded in February, Iraq has recorded 252,075 total cases and 7,359 deaths. Getty Images
Khalaf Sabir waits for customers at his second hand shoe store in a market in Kirkuk, Iraq. On September 4, Iraq recorded 5,036 coronavirus cases, its biggest daily increase since the start of the outbreak. The surge has prompted warnings from Iraq's health minister and WHO that the country could be on the verge of a health crisis as pressure mounts on the already strained healthcare system. Since the first case was recorded in February, Iraq has recorded 252,075 total cases and 7,359 deaths. Getty Images
Palestinian children play near the concrete barriers erected to isolate a road leading between Gaza neighborhoods amid the ongoing coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic in Gaza City, Gaza Strip. The Gaza Strip is under a nationwide lockdown from 25 August after the discovery of the first cases of infections with the pandemic SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus which causes the COVID-19 disease. EPA
Palestinian children play near the concrete barriers erected to isolate a road leading between Gaza neighborhoods amid the ongoing coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic in Gaza City, Gaza Strip. The Gaza Strip is under a nationwide lockdown from 25 August after the discovery of the first cases of infections with the pandemic SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus which causes the COVID-19 disease. EPA
A Palestinian boy sells vegetables while wearing a face mask during a lockdown imposed following the discovery of coronavirus cases in Gaza City. AP Photo
A Palestinian boy sells vegetables while wearing a face mask during a lockdown imposed following the discovery of coronavirus cases in Gaza City. AP Photo
A Palestinian boy grazes sheep while wearing a face mask during a lockdown imposed following the discovery of coronavirus cases in Gaza City. AP Photo
A Palestinian boy grazes sheep while wearing a face mask during a lockdown imposed following the discovery of coronavirus cases in Gaza City. AP Photo
Egyptian women wearing protective masks walk in front of a clothing shop featuring a discount sign amid the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Cairo, Egypt. REUTERS
Egyptian women wearing protective masks walk in front of a clothing shop featuring a discount sign amid the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Cairo, Egypt. REUTERS

Health

Coronavirus: Abu Dhabi establishes hotline to support workers' mental health during pandemic

Staffed by trained responders who give advice on matters including how to improve communication with family to importance of hobbies

Gillian Duncan
Gillian Duncan

September 06, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

Abu Dhabi has set up a hotline to boost the mental health of workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Trained responders will offer essential information and advice, and lend a compassionate ear to people finding it hard to cope with the coronavirus outbreak.

They will tell callers how to improve communication with family and friends, and emphasise the benefits of a hobby or learning a new skill to aid their well-being.

It is part of the You Matter campaign, which is being run by the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee for the Covid-19 pandemic, and the Department of Community Development.

Officials urged workers to seek help if they were feeling sad, anxious or even contemplating self-harm because of pressure from the public health crisis.

"The workers are an essential part of society, and we are working in parallel with the specialists in Abu Dhabi to identify their needs and provide what they lack to ensure their safety while they are in the workers' residences," said Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri, undersecretary of the Department of Community Development.

"And in response to our findings we launched the ‘You Matter’ campaign, which aims to provide psychological support to workers.

The hotline is 800 937292.

The UAE has adopted a wide-ranging approach to supporting citizens, residents and tourists stuck in the country because of the outbreak in recent months.

In May, Abu Dhabi screened all workers living in the Mussaffah industrial area to curb the spread of Covid-19. The testing was free of charge.

Authorities said no legal action would be taken against those who were living in the emirate on expired visas because the community’s safety was the top priority.

Meanwhile, officials have worked closely with other nations to ensure hundreds of thousands of people have been repatriated from the UAE since the start of the pandemic

Some of them had lost their jobs or were living on expired visas, but others just wished to be closer to their families.

A large number of those who have been helped were from India and Pakistan.

Hotlines have also been set up in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to support parents, pupils and staff through the challenges of the new school year.

Abu Dhabi's Department of Education and Knowledge has launched a helpline, on 056 377 1833, to answer any questions regarding the return to classrooms.

Dubai Health Authority said its 24-hour service, available on 800 588, would provide a wide range of information on the stringent protocols in place at private schools.

"The launch of this service reinforces the authority’s commitment to providing effective communication channels to the community, offering timely and accurate health information," the Dubai Health Authority said.

On Women's Day
On Women's Day
FINAL RESULT

Sharjah Wanderers 20 Dubai Tigers 25 (After extra-time)

Wanderers
Tries: Gormley, Penalty
cons: Flaherty
Pens: Flaherty 2

Tigers
Tries: O’Donnell, Gibbons, Kelly
Cons: Caldwell 2
Pens: Caldwell, Cross

EA Sports FC 26

Publisher: EA Sports

Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S

Rating: 3/5

Aayan%E2%80%99s%20records
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EYoungest%20UAE%20men%E2%80%99s%20cricketer%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EWhen%20he%20debuted%20against%20Bangladesh%20aged%2016%20years%20and%20314%20days%2C%20he%20became%20the%20youngest%20ever%20to%20play%20for%20the%20men%E2%80%99s%20senior%20team.%20He%20broke%20the%20record%20set%20by%20his%20World%20Cup%20squad-mate%2C%20Alishan%20Sharafu%2C%20of%2017%20years%20and%2044%20days.%3Cbr%3E%20%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EYoungest%20wicket-taker%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EAfter%20taking%20the%20wicket%20of%20Bangladesh%E2%80%99s%20Litton%20Das%20on%20debut%20in%20Dubai%2C%20Aayan%20became%20the%20youngest%20male%20cricketer%20to%20take%20a%20wicket%20against%20a%20Full%20Member%20nation%20in%20a%20T20%20international.%3Cbr%3E%20%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EYoungest%20in%20T20%20World%20Cup%20history%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EAayan%20does%20not%20turn%2017%20until%20November%2015%20%E2%80%93%20which%20is%20two%20days%20after%20the%20T20%20World%20Cup%20final%20at%20the%20MCG.%20If%20he%20does%20play%20in%20the%20competition%2C%20he%20will%20be%20its%20youngest%20ever%20player.%20Pakistan%E2%80%99s%20Mohammed%20Amir%2C%20who%20was%2017%20years%20and%2055%20days%20when%20he%20played%20in%202009%2C%20currently%20holds%20the%20record.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Rahul Gandhi in UAE:
The Bio

Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
Favourite place to relax in UAE: the desert around Al Mleiha in Sharjah or the eastern mangroves in Abu Dhabi
The one book everyone should read: 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It will make your mind fly
Favourite documentary: Chasing Coral by Jeff Orlowski. It's a good reality check about one of the most valued ecosystems for humanity

No%20Windmills%20in%20Basra
%3Cp%3EAuthor%3A%20Diaa%20Jubaili%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EPages%3A%20180%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EPublisher%3A%20Deep%20Vellum%20Publishing%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
CHATGPT%20ENTERPRISE%20FEATURES
%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Enterprise-grade%20security%20and%20privacy%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Unlimited%20higher-speed%20GPT-4%20access%20with%20no%20caps%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Longer%20context%20windows%20for%20processing%20longer%20inputs%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Advanced%20data%20analysis%20capabilities%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Customisation%20options%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Shareable%20chat%20templates%20that%20companies%20can%20use%20to%20collaborate%20and%20build%20common%20workflows%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Analytics%20dashboard%20for%20usage%20insights%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Free%20credits%20to%20use%20OpenAI%20APIs%20to%20extend%20OpenAI%20into%20a%20fully-custom%20solution%20for%20enterprises%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

Kathryn Hawkes of House of Hawkes on being a good guest (because we’ve all had bad ones)

  • Arrive with a thank you gift, or make sure you have one for your host by the time you leave. 
  • Offer to buy groceries, cook them a meal or take your hosts out for dinner.
  • Help out around the house.
  • Entertain yourself so that your hosts don’t feel that they constantly need to.
  • Leave no trace of your stay – if you’ve borrowed a book, return it to where you found it.
  • Offer to strip the bed before you go.
McLaren GT specs

Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8

Transmission: seven-speed

Power: 620bhp

Torque: 630Nm

Price: Dh875,000

On sale: now

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

While you're here
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20ASI%20(formerly%20DigestAI)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202017%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Quddus%20Pativada%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Artificial%20intelligence%2C%20education%20technology%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%243%20million-plus%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20GSV%20Ventures%2C%20Character%2C%20Mark%20Cuban%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Know before you go
  • Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
  • If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
  • By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
  • Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
  • Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.

 

The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km

Price: Dh133,900

On sale: now 

Tips on buying property during a pandemic

Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.

While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.

While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar. 

Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.

Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.

Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities. 

Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong. 

Finally, keep an eye on your currency. Whenever currency fluctuations favour foreign buyers, you can bet that demand will increase, as they act to secure what is essentially a discounted property.

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPowertrain%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle%20electric%20motor%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E201hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E310Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E53kWh%20lithium-ion%20battery%20pack%20(GS%20base%20model)%3B%2070kWh%20battery%20pack%20(GF)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETouring%20range%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E350km%20(GS)%3B%20480km%20(GF)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh129%2C900%20(GS)%3B%20Dh149%2C000%20(GF)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
On Women's Day
While you're here
The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre turbo

Power: 181hp

Torque: 230Nm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Starting price: Dh79,000

On sale: Now

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Results
  • Brock Lesnar retained the WWE Universal title against Roman Reigns
  • Braun Strowman and Nicolas won the Raw Tag Team titles against Sheamus and Cesaro
  • AJ Styles retained the WWE World Heavyweight title against Shinsuke Nakamura
  • Nia Jax won the Raw Women’s title against Alexa Bliss
  • Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon beat Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
  • The Undertaker beat John Cena
  • The Bludgeon Brothers won the SmackDown Tag Team titles against the Usos and New Day
  • Ronda Rousey and Kurt Angle beat Triple H and Stephanie McMahon
  • Jinder Mahal won the United States title against Randy Orton, Rusev and Bobby Roode
  • Charlotte retained the SmackDown Women’s title against Asuka
  • Seth Rollins won the Intercontinental title against The Miz and Finn Balor
  • Naomi won the first WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal
  • Cedric Alexander won the vacant Cruiserweight title against Mustafa Ali
  • Matt Hardy won the Andre the Giant Battle Royal
The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Our commentary on Brexit
While you're here
The specs: 2018 Nissan Patrol Nismo

Price: base / as tested: Dh382,000

Engine: 5.6-litre V8

Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 428hp @ 5,800rpm

Torque: 560Nm @ 3,600rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km

Towering concerns
More on this story
Sheer grandeur

The Owo building is 14 storeys high, seven of which are below ground, with the 30,000 square feet of amenities located subterranean, including a 16-seat private cinema, seven lounges, a gym, games room, treatment suites and bicycle storage.

A clear distinction between the residences and the Raffles hotel with the amenities operated separately.

Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
CoronavirusUAE